Today, we wanted to focus some attention on local businesses - for Teleflora, that means the local florist shops who use their skills and artistry to make and hand-deliver gorgeous Teleflora bouquets all over North America. There's a growing movement to 'go local' - something we've done for more than 75 years.
One organization focused on supporting small businesses in their city is Local First, out of Grand Rapids, Mich. They've shared an interesting chart outlining how supporting local businesses supports the economy in different ways than using big box services or companies that don't have a local presence but sell products packaged for shipping and delivery.
[Local First chart via Local First website
Another organization that's helping people understand the impact of supporting privately-owned small (local) businesses is The 3/50 Project. They encourage all of us to make a commitment to spend $50 per month month among 3 local shops (that's only $50 total per month!) - thus, the name 3/50 Project. Teleflora is registered as a supporter of the Project, and many member florists are registered as 'independents' with The 3/50 Project.
Cinda Baxter of the 3/50 Project has done the math and figured out that if 50% of America's employed adults spend just $50 each month with a local business, it would generate over $42 billion dollars in revenue. She has a few other exciting statistics on the website for the 3/50 Project, as well. If you're an independent business person, or interested in supporting your local economy, this is an enlightening Project to check out.
Each time you shop with Teleflora (via Teleflora.com, FindAFlorist.com or direct with a florist), you're supporting a local florist somewhere in the US or Canada. Teleflora doesn't send flowers via delivery services - we partner with local florists to make each bouquet by hand and then ensure it's delivered with care. That's the Teleflora Difference. You might say, the difference is local. 
[Image credits: Thumbnail via _lusi on Multimedia Stock; Large Homepage Image via derbokon on Flickr]
